Conversation Corner No. 69: Super Bowl XLIX Recap

We talked the Super Bowl on a special episode of "Conversation Corner" last night.

You know what happened, so how about some postgame commentary.

2014 Super Bowl Odds

The listed lines have the Patriots as 7 to 1 favorites to take home the title in 2014, even with losing in the AFC Championship this season. According to the odds, the Patriots would be playing the 49ers (8 to 1) in what would be their second-straight Super Bowl. 

The Peyton Manning-led Denver Broncos (8 to 1) and the Green Bay Packers (10 to 1) round out the top four favorites.

Interesting bets would include the Texans at 14 to 1 and how about the Saints rebounding next year.  They will be playing with a chip on their shoulder and they are 18 to 1.

Longshot award goes to Jacksonville and Oakland at 150 to 1.

Super Bowl Player to Watch: Jason Pierre-Paul

I'll give my Super Bowl prediction tomorrow, but here's a little insight on a player that everyone should keep an eye on tomorrow.

Jason Pierre-Paul.

Paul, a first time Pro Bowler in 2011, is arguably is the NFL's most gifted defensive end. At 6 feet 5, 278 pounds, and with 341/2-inch arms, NFL personnel men frequently describe Pierre-Paul as a freak and a monster.

The 15th pick of the 2010 draft is quick with his first step, explosive and powerful. He can bend, play with leverage and has good lateral movement. He is quicker, stronger, and more skilled than most offensive linemen.

And you know what, he's still learning how to play the game.  Paul made life difficult for quarterbacks throughout 2011.  He's looking to do the same to Tom Brady.  It's going to take a team effort by the Patriots on offense to stop Paul.  How they do might determine the outcome of the game.

Sunday's NFL Divisional Playoff Play of the Day

No surprise here... The New England Patriots

Depending on where you look, New England is favored by 9.5 to 10 points over the Jets.  It won't be that close.

New England is on an 8 game winning streak and they like to do their talking on the field.  The Jets have been erratic the last month or so and they like to do their talking, well they talk all of the time.

This 51-year-old rivalry has been dead even over the years – including two New England wins in the playoffs, the series is tied 51-51-1 – and it has been as heated as ever since the outspoken Ryan took over the Jets last season. But the Patriots' play did the talking in the most recent meeting, a 45-3 blowout in Week 13 that avenged New York's 28-14 home victory in Week 2.

The home team is 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings in this series.  Look for the New England tight ends to have a big game.

Take the Patriots and give the points.

* Bonus play - The Over, which is only 44 pts right now.